Unplanned pregnancies remain high despite high contraceptive use and emergency contraception availability. Inadequate knowledge about the emergency contraceptive pill usage and access contributes to this issue.
Researchers at NIST developed a method to incorporate pneumatic microvalves into microfluidic devices made from plastic films and tape. The new valved microfluidic device can be used for dynamic control of fluid flow, enabling the creation of complex configurations with multiple functions.
Researchers have developed a simple, 3D laboratory method to test asthma and allergy medications that mimics what happens in the human body. This new approach has the potential to reduce animal testing and improve the development of respiratory drugs.
Despite promises of personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics research has focused mostly on common diseases, neglecting tropical infections and rare diseases prevalent in developing countries. Researchers from low-income countries also conducted few studies on these topics.
A new University of Illinois study found that nearly three in four low-income families have cut back on food to afford essential non-food items. Food pantry clients often make difficult choices between feeding their children and accessing basic household products.
A new intraoperative neuromonitoring procedure was tested in 71 patients to prevent bone screws from damaging the spinal cord. The results showed that this method can accurately detect and avoid malpositioned pedicle screws, reducing the risk of postoperative neurological impairment.
A new analysis of studies on school bullying found that comprehensive programs have been the most effective in reducing bullying, but require significant resources and commitment. Schools can do more to prevent bullying by ensuring students are not isolated and providing support to those who experience prolonged bullying.
Studies of two vesper bat species genomes reveal a link between DNA transposons and rapid evolution. The authors propose that transposable elements enabled the introduction of microRNAs, influencing gene expression and driving species diversification.
A study found that popular students are more likely to be bullied and experience severe consequences, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Meanwhile, girls who date are at increased risk of physical violence, highlighting the complexities of social dynamics in bullying cases.
The new center aims to develop computational methods to understand how human cognition works and how it becomes disrupted in psychiatric disorders. The centre will combine advanced brain imaging with computational approaches to identify causes of mental health problems and develop personalized treatments.
Scientists discovered that age-related sleep decline can be prevented and might even be reversible by targeting the IIS signalling pathway. Administering therapeutic agents improved sleep quality even in old flies, suggesting a potential approach to improve sleep quality in humans.
Miriam Hwang's article on longitudinal changes in medical complications in adults with pediatric spinal cord injury won the Ernest Bors, M.D., Award. The award recognizes excellence among young investigators pursuing careers dedicated to bettering lives of individuals with spinal cord injury.
Researchers are studying the Amazon ecosystem's response to extreme weather events like droughts and floods to predict its impact on climate change. They will analyze data from NASA satellites, field observations, and fishery activities to understand how changes in water levels affect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers found that dogs' attentiveness peaks in mid-adulthood and decreases with age, with adolescent dogs exhibiting the steepest learning curve. This study provides insights into canine cognitive development and its potential applications in understanding human psychological diseases such as ADHD and Alzheimer's.
A review of scientific literature suggests that routine mammograms for women over 75 may not be beneficial and could lead to unnecessary treatment. The authors conclude that doctors should consider life expectancy when making screening decisions for this age group.
Using lead ammunition in shooting sports poses a significant environmental risk, with thousands of tonnes of lead released annually. Replacing it with steel-based ammunition could mitigate this issue and reduce the impact on wildlife.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a potential treatment approach for ciliopathies, a group of rare genetic disorders. The study found that bolstering the function of the proteasome system can correct physical damage caused by defective cilia, offering new hope for therapies.
The app uses data from peer-reviewed research studies to show people if there is scientific evidence linking acne to foods like chocolate, fat, sugar and whey protein. Research displayed in the app shows that dairy, whey protein, omega-6 fatty acids and foods high in sugar are associated with acne.
A study found that restrictive RBC transfusion strategies reduce the risk of health care-associated infections by 11.8% compared to liberal strategies. Patients with specific conditions, such as orthopedic surgery or sepsis, also benefited from restrictive transfusions.
New research from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center suggests that physicians are ordering vitamin D deficiency screening tests for preventive care purposes. The study found that the number of diagnoses for vitamin D deficiency rapidly increased from 2007 to 2010, with older patients and females more likely to be diagnosed.
A new study has identified PLAC8 as a critical protein involved in the spread of colon cancer. Elevated levels of PLAC8 have been linked to abnormal cell behavior, leading to faster tumor growth and increased invasiveness.
A systematic review of 47 studies found that surveillance screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis patients led to earlier detection, curative treatment, and longer survival. The pooled 3-year survival rate among screened patients was 50.8%, compared to 27.9% among unscreened patients.
The Mayo Clinic has been recognized for its effective integration of operations research into organizational decision-making, leading to improved patient outcomes and financial savings. The organization's use of advanced analytics and operations research has been instrumental in addressing healthcare challenges.
A new study by SISSA researchers found that newborns' brains react differently to words starting with common and uncommon sounds, supporting the idea of universal language preferences. This suggests a possible biological basis for language acquisition, shaping the sound of words from birth.
A new NIH study reveals that obesity primes the colon for cancer, with frequent exercise and calorie control shown to lower the risk. The research suggests that molecular signals in the gut lead to cancer progression in obese mice, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing colorectal cancer.
A 25-year study of 76 rhesus monkeys found that those with calorie-restricted diets experienced a significant reduction in mortality and age-associated diseases. The study contradicts an earlier report on monkeys, which suggested no differences in survival rates between caloric restriction and control groups.
A recent study published in JAMA found that taking daily tadalafil did not prevent erectile dysfunction (ED) in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study involved 242 men who received either tadalafil or a placebo, and showed no significant difference in ED prevention between the two groups.
CHEO researchers have developed a new screening tool to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. The tool includes reference ranges and a pediatric growth curve to measure neck circumference, helping identify high-risk kids for OSA.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that obese children are slower to recognize and correct errors, affecting brain activity. Healthy-weight children outperform their obese peers in this critical cognitive task, highlighting the physiological differences between weight status and brain function.
A Rutgers report reveals young adults in low-income communities increasingly seek emergency department dental care, causing access and cost concerns. The study suggests expanding dentist office hours, implementing emergency department diversion programs, and increasing awareness among vulnerable populations to address these issues.
Professor Jerry Adams has been elected a fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy for his outstanding contributions to understanding genes that provoke cancer and control cell death. His research has implicated key drivers of cancer development and revealed their role in cancer drug resistance.
Researchers have developed a new test that can detect fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a condition similar to Parkinson's disease, in individuals as young as 30 years old. The study found that brain abnormalities associated with FXTAS may begin to develop about two decades before symptoms occur.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have found that the drug baclofen can help block the impact of the brain's response to 'unconscious' drug triggers, potentially preventing cocaine relapse. The study used fMRI scans to measure neural responses to subliminal cocaine cues in patients treated with baclofen.
The 'human hairless' gene plays a crucial role in regulating hair growth, with mutations contributing to atrichia with papular lesions. Researchers discovered the gene's histone demethylase function, offering hope for developing new approaches to treat skin disorders and rare forms of hair loss.
Researchers aim to deliver GDNF into muscle cells using a viral vector to protect motor neurons and slow disease progression in a rat model of ALS. The study, led by Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute, could pave the way for a clinical trial if successful.
A new study by the RAND Corporation finds that millions of Americans are caring for recently wounded veterans without a formal support network, putting their own well-being at risk. These caregivers often face substantial time demands and health problems, with lost productivity adding to financial strain.
A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that patients injected with Botox showed substantial improvement in their depressive symptoms. The study included 74 depressed subjects who received either Botox or a placebo and showed a 47% decrease in depressive symptoms after six weeks.
A recent study by a University of Chicago professor found that night owls, both males and females, are more likely to be single or in short-term romantic relationships than early risers. Night owls also reported higher numbers of sexual partners compared to early birds.
Researchers in China have developed a convenient way to selectively prepare germanium sulfide nanostructures, including nanosheets and nanowires. These nanostructures show outstanding photoresponsive behavior, indicating their potential use in solar energy conversion systems and optoelectronics.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute found that inhibiting insulin/IGF signalling improves sleep quality in fruit flies and reverses age-related sleep deterioration. The study suggests a potential link between aging humans' sleep problems and the insulin/IGF pathway.
Researchers isolated very small embryonic-like stem cells from human adult tissues and demonstrated their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, including bone, neurons, and connective tissue. The study provides evidence that these multipotent stem cells could be used for regenerative therapies.
Jun Shen, Ph.D., was honored as the 2014 recipient of the ACMG Foundation/Signature Genomics from PerkinElmer Inc. Travel Award for her platform presentation on a novel combinatorial algorithm predicting pathogenicity of human missense variants. The award recognizes Dr. Shen's scientific merit and supports her work in medical genetics ...
A study on roe deer in France's Champagne region found that the species has failed to adapt to earlier spring arrival, leading to reduced survival rates of fawns and a downward trend in population growth. Climate change is threatening the survival of this commercially important long-lived mammal.
Researchers discovered that enhancers play a crucial role in controlling somatic hypermutation by marking specific sites for hypermutation on antibody genes. This breakthrough resolves a long-standing scientific debate and provides new insights into the targeting mechanism of hypermutation.
Scientists have discovered that changes in the hair growth cycle affect fluctuations in the thickness of underlying fat tissue, allowing skin to regulate fat production. This breakthrough could lead to topical creams that 'pause' fat cell growth, treating obesity and hair loss.
Researchers found that blocking the effects of CMPF may help prevent and treat diabetes. A fat metabolite called CMPF was dramatically increased in both gestational and type 2 diabetic individuals, impairing insulin secretion from beta cells.
Researchers found that patients with low sodium levels prior to transplantation did not have higher mortality rates after surgery. The study, published in Liver Transplantation, analyzed data from over 19,500 patients who received a liver transplant in the US between 2003 and 2010.
Dr. Ira Kurtz's research aims to understand the molecular processes affecting kidney function, with a focus on designing specific drugs targeting disease-causing proteins. The goal is to reduce side effects and costs associated with current treatments, which affect millions of people worldwide.
A new gene therapy has shown promising results in improving hind limb function in rats with spinal cord injuries. The treatment involves delivering a scar-busting gene that promotes the survival of nerve cells and reduces inflammation, leading to improved mobility and tissue repair.
According to a study published in JAMA, approximately 40% of pharmaceutical company board members also held leadership positions at academic medical centers (AMCs), receiving an average compensation of $312,564. This raises concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest between AMC leaders' fiduciary responsibilities and their ...
Researchers found that breast-feeding has a protective effect on the risk of obesity at 20 years old. A diet rich in fat after breast-feeding also appears to reduce body fat, while low-fat diets may mask the benefits of breast milk.
Only 10% of spine surgeons follow guidelines recommending routine psychological screenings before major surgery. Highly experienced surgeons and those with high patient volume more likely to use assessments, contrary to expectations that academic centers would lead the way.
A recent study by Concordia University suggests that family CEOs may struggle in innovative industries, where constant innovation and adaptability are key. In contrast, traditional industries with a focus on quality and reputation may benefit from family leadership.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have identified over 1,000 genes in rice that play key roles in managing stress responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The study found that 70% of these genes are co-expressive, turning on under both kinds of stress.
A new study by Durham University highlights the inadequacies in heart failure care in the UK, including uncertainty among clinicians about diagnosis and management. The research found inconsistencies in patients' access to tests and services, as well as a lack of awareness among health professionals of dedicated heart failure clinics.
The CDC won the 2014 Franz Edelman Award for its collaboration with Kid Risk, Inc. to combat remaining polio pockets globally using analytics and operations research. The award recognizes the impact of this work on the polio eradication program over the last decade.
Researchers develop a protein that facilitates control of nerve cells by light, increasing sensitivity and enabling precise activation of selected cells. This technology, called optogenetics, holds promise for studying diseases like epilepsy and Parkinson's.
Tropical Cyclone Hellen's heavy rain rates were detected by NASA's TRMM satellite, with rainfall rates reaching over 44 mm/hour near its eye. The storm's remnants re-emerged in the Mozambique Channel, posing a potential regrowth threat.
Dr. Xiangling Wang, a medical genetics resident at the Mayo Clinic, has received the inaugural Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Clinical Genetics Combined Residency for Translational Genomic Scholars Fellowship Award. The award aims to advance education, research, and standards of practice in medical genetics.
Decades of using antimicrobial household products have left consumers with no measurable benefits, but lax regulation has caused widespread contamination. The FDA is revisiting the safety of triclocarban and triclosan, which are linked to environmental and human health risks.